In February and March 2020, Natasha Borton, with fellow local artist Melys Edwards, will be researching a new production, Of the Earth, as a Located Residency supported by National Theatre Wales and with additional support from Natural Resources Wales.

Of the Earth will explore contemporary Welsh identity in the context both of the history of coal mining and the need for a more ecologically sustainable future. Natasha and her collaborators will position the Miners’ Strikes of 1983-1984 alongside today’s Global Climate Strikes to ask important questions about Wales’ history and future. Most of this research will take place with the community, through interviews and workshops with established community groups and first-hand testimony of the strikers themselves.

We are currently inviting any interested groups or individuals in Wrexham and surrounding areas to get in touch, including primary and secondary schools, established organisations, common interest groups and organisers, to play a part in this research phase.

There will be free workshops available for selected groups between 20 February and 20 March 2020. Workshops may involve art, drama, creative writing, music and creative discussion, and will be tailored to the interested groups. Topics will include Welsh history and identity, sustainable future initiatives and local history from Wrexham Collieries.

It is important to the artists and National Theatre Wales that Of the Earth’s development reflects the local area with honesty and integrity. If any group or individual would like to be part of the project, please get in touch by email natashaborton@gmail.com.